Electron discharge apparatus and the like



April 2, 1935. P. w. PETTET 1,996,212

ELECTRON DISCHARGE APPARATUS AND THE LIKE Original Filed April 28, 1931 Patented Apr. 2, 1935 STATES ELECTRON DISCHARGE APPARATKIS AND THE LIKE Paul W. Pettet, Elmhurst,

Application April as, 1931, Serial No. 533,489

, Renewed August 3t, 1934 2 Claims. (Cl. 176-124) An object of this invention is to provide a simplified apparatus for the operation of neon signs, X-ray tubes, and like apparatus which operate through electron discharge.

Another object is the provision of apparatus for readily transforming or converting direct current line voltage into an alternating .currentfor the operation of such apparatus as neon tubes, X-ray apparatus, low-voltage signal apparatus, low-voltage spot and arc welding, and

the like.

These and other objects, as will hereinafter appear, are accomplished by this invention which is fully described in the following specification and shown in the accompanying drawing, in which-- Figure 1 is a diagram of the connections.

showing one embodiment of the invention;

I Fig. 2 is a slightly reduced front elevation of a portion of theapparatus of Fig. 1 as viewed on the line 2 thereof; and I Fig. 3 is a view 'similarto Fig. 1 showing another embodiment of the invention.

The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 comprises a source ID of direct current electricity having a switch II, one side of which is connected through a lead l2 with a primary P of the stepup transformer I3, the opposite end of the primary being connected through a lead I I with'a ballast lamp or resistor l5. This lamp or resistor in turn is connected through a rotary interrupter "5 which is driven by means of a motor I1 from the interrupter, returning to the switch II through a lead I8. Thus the leads M and I8 are connected to brushes l3 and 20 respectively, the brushes being suitably insulated and bearing against the face of a plate 2| which is mounted on the shaft of the motor l1.

Referring now to Fig 2, this plate 2| is made of metal and is mounted upon aninsulator 22 so as to be completely insulated from the motor I1. This plate has a series of spaced oppositely disposed openings in its face in which are inserted blocks of insulation 23, the face of the whole being turned and polished so as to present a smooth surface to the brushes. In shunt with the rotary interrupter I6. is a lamp 24 and I a condenser 25 which tend to absorb the spark from the brushes. The ballast lamp or resistor I5 serves to limit the amount of current flowing through the interrupter. The ends of the secondary S of the step-up transformer I3 are con-- nected to the two ends of the X-ray tube T in awell known manner.

the motor E1 in operation on closing the switch H current will pass through the interrupter at such times as the brushes I9, 20 bear upon the metal of the face of the plate 2|. As this plate continues to rotate, however, the insulators 23 5 then pass under these brushes and current is accordingly interrupted, this current again being resumed when the plate turns enough to bring it again in contact with the brushes. Thus an alternating current is produced in the circuit 10 through the primary coil P. At each make and break of the primary current a secondary cur-\ rent of high voltage is induced in the secondary coil S which is applied to the terminals of the X-raytube T.

In Fig. 3 is shown a modified form of the device having a direct current line 30 controlled by a switch 3!. One pole of this switch is connected to a lead 32 with the primary P of the step-up transformer 33, the other side of the 20 primary being connected through a lead 34 and ballast lamp or resistor 35 with a rotary make and break device 36, which is driven by a motor 31, the return lead 38 from this device being connected to the other side of the switch 3i.

Brushes 39, 40 .are connected to the leads 34, 38 respectively; and these brushes bear upon the cylindrical surface of the rotary interrupter Al, the body of which is of metal and is insulated from the motor shaft by means of a hub 30 or core 42 of insulating material. The brush 40 bears constantly upon the metal surface of the interrupter, but in the opposite end of this cylindrical surface are inserted a series of insulating blocks 43. Thus as the interrupter rotates the 35 brush 39 bears alternately upon the metal face of the interrupter causing current to pass therethrough, and then upon one of the insulating blocks 43 which causes the current to be interrupted.

Thus it will be seen that a pulsating or alternating current always of the same polarity is passed'through the primary P of the step-up transformer 33, thereby inducing in the secondary S of this transformer a much higher po- 45 tential which is thus applied through suitable connections to the two ends of the neon tube N. The ballast lamp or resistor 35 and the lamp 44 and condenser 45 perform the same functions as the corresponding parts I5, 24 and 25 of Fig. 1. 50

It willbe understood that a suitable stepdown transformer may be used at I3, and that the secondary thereof will supply low-voltage current to any suitable apparatus designed to operate on alternating current, such as signal apparatus, spot and arc welding apparatus, and the like.

From the foregoingjt will be seen that a very simple and efficient form of electron discharge apparatus is provided, and one which will operate successfully on a D. C. source of current supplied.

While I have shown and described but a few embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that it is capable of many modifications. Changes, therefore, in the construction and arrangement may be made which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In electron discharge apparatus, a step-up transformer, a source of direct current supply,

an interrupter and the primary of said transformer in series circuit with said source, a condenser and a lamp connected in parallel shunt to said interrupter, and a consumption circuit connected to the secondary of the transformer.

2. In electron discharge apparatus, a step-up transformer, a source of direct current supply, an interrupter and the primary of said transformer in series circuit with said source, a condenser and a lamp connected in parallel shunt to said interrupter, a ballast lamp in series with the primary to limit the current flow therethrough, and an electron discharge tube, the secondary of the transformer being connected to the two ends of the tube.

= PAUL W. PEI'IET. 

